Siphona geniculata

Approx. 7mm. Generally green-grey and with orange femora and tibia. Flies in this genus have a very long and thin rigid articulated proboscis. Identification within the genus is challenging and relies on a combination of features - see ID guidance below.

Siphona geniculata is the commonest in the genus but identification is difficult so other species may be simply under-recorded. Detailed examination is required. 

• bare arista and eyes
• vein R1 with dark setulose hairs
• medial vein is bent then reaches the wing margin
• scutellum has two pairs of long marginal bristles near the apex (plus a smaller central pair)
• 4 post suture dorsocentral bristles, more or less evenly spaced
• abdominal tergites 1 +2 with a pair of median margin bristles
• most specimens with hairs on the upper parafacia

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

May be found in a variety of habitats.

Flight period late May to October.

Two or three generations per year. The larvae are parasites of Cranefly larvae in the family Tipulidae and overwinter inside this host.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.